Illinois lawmakers consider traffic cameras on school buses

(KMOV.com) -- Illinois lawmakers are considering cameras installed on school buses that would catch drivers who ignore red lights and stop signals.

The cameras would be programmed to capture license plate numbers. Police would then send out fines of $150 for the first offense, and $500 for any subsequent violations.

Susan Sarfaty, St. Clair County regional superintendent, said the cameras would keep students safer on the road.

"We always want to keep our kids as safe as we possibly can," said Sarfaty. "In that regard, it is a good idea."

Meanwhile, opponents say the cameras represent a simple money grab. The National Motorist's Association, a group founded to defend drivers' rights, said the cameras would not result in improved safety for school children.

Education officials said the proposal does to aim to

"Municipalities don't fund our local schools, property tax dollars and state revenue fund our schools, so I would be hard pressed to think it would make its way back to pay for schools," said Sarfaty. "And I don't know if there would be that much money generated..."

The bill has already passed in the Illinois Senate, and is now being considered by the House.